RENFREW COUNTY (Renfrew) — The County of Renfrew is very pleased with the Ontario Government’s announcement to move forward with the first stage of widening Highway 17 from two to four lanes between Arnprior and Renfrew. In his announcement John Yakabuski, MPP for Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke, identified a two-stage expansion of 22.5km of Highway 17 to four lanes from Scheel Drive near Arnprior through to Bruce Street, three kilometers west of Renfrew which will include four new interchanges.
“I want to thank the Province for their decision to move this project forward. The announcement to move forward on phase one is an important first step in the expansion of highway 17 that will promote growth in the region, support economic development, tourism and improve this key transportation link to large employers in the County. I want to specifically thank Minister John Yakabuski, for his continuing support of this project, and Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation for her Ministry’s support. I also wish to thank the Chair of the Highway 17 Extension Advisory Committee Peter Emon, and Chair of the Operations Committee Tom Peckett for their tireless efforts to keep bringing this issue to the forefront with the Province and creating a dialogue with stakeholders. Their steadfast dedication to this project has contributed greatly to the project moving to the construction phase,” stated Warden Debbie Robinson.
“The Operations Committee thanks the Province of Ontario and Minister Yakabuski for this excellent news. The Committee wishes to express its gratitude to Councillor Peter Emon for his immense contribution on this issue and to all those who have worked long and hard to bring the Highway 17 expansion project into reality for Renfrew County,” said Councillor Tom Peckett, Chair of the County of Renfrew Operations Committee.
“I wish to acknowledge the hard work of the County of Renfrew, Minister John Yakabuski and the community,” said Councillor Peter Emon, Chair of the Highway 17 Extension Advisory Committee and Reeve of the Town of Renfrew. “Their efforts have clearly demonstrated the need for the development of this critical piece of national, provincial and community infrastructure. In addition, our partnerships with and the support of North Eastern Ontario have also reinforced how important this project on the Trans-Canada Highway is to all of Ontario and Canada.”
The first stage of the project will begin with the construction of a new interchange at the Calabogie Road intersection in the Township of McNab/Braeside. The County of Renfrew looks forward to more announcements related to the second stage of the project that will include building three new interchanges and widening Highway 17 from two lanes to four from Scheel Dr. in the Township of McNab/Braeside to just west of Bruce Street in Horton Township. The Province currently is requesting expressions of interest from qualified contractors for the first stage of the project. The Province has indicated that construction will begin following the awarding of the contract and completion of the design and environmental assessment.
